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Sun Dimming: Humanity's Rapid End?
29 Nov
Summary
- A 5% sun dimming could cause mass famine, killing billions.
- Global cooling of 6°C would trigger a new Ice Age.
- Scientists state the sun cannot dim as fast as depicted.
Scientists warn that a mere one percent dimming of the sun could lead to crop failures within a year. A subsequent five percent reduction could trigger widespread famine, potentially killing billions. A global temperature drop of 6°C would initiate a new Ice Age, significantly expanding glaciers and collapsing ecosystems.
Despite these catastrophic scenarios, experts emphasize that the sun's immense mass acts as a heat sink. If its core ceased producing energy, the sun's output would only decrease by one percent over a million years. This means the rapid dimming depicted in 'Project Hail Mary' is scientifically impossible.
While the sun does experience natural fluctuations in brightness, these are minor and do not pose an existential threat. The Maunder Minimum, a period of low solar activity, correlated with the Little Ice Age but was likely influenced by other factors. Ultimately, the sun's stability ensures Earth's long-term survival.
